If You Like - Florida - page 35

Nature Walks
Florida's backyard is an American original - slash pine, clear springs, snowy sands, and
miles of reptile-rich wetlands bordered by a hairy fringe of spidery mangroves. The fol-
lowing spots get deep in the subtropical mix.
Historic Spanish Point This gorgeous 30-acre historic site is anchored by a 1-mile walking
tour that runs between the historic attractions that pepper the unspoilt coastal habitat.
Egan's Creek Greenway Over 300 acres of grassy paths run by the forests, clear streams
and diverse wildlife of Amelia Island.
Canaveral National Seashore With 24 miles of wilderness beaches, this is the longest
stretch of undeveloped coastline on the eastern Florida seaboard.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Hop on the boardwalk and take in the National Wild and Scenic
Rivers-designated Wekiva River.
Manatees
From November through March, Florida's West Indian manatees seek the warmth of the
peninsula's freshwater rivers, its 72°F (22°C) crystal springs and the warm-water dis-
charge canals of power plants. Yeah, it's bizarre, but these canals are now protected sanc-
tuaries. That's our modern world.
Crystal River Kings Bay is perhaps the best place to swim with these magnificent mam-
mals.
Homosassa Springs The state park's underwater observatory gets you nose-to-prehensile-
nose with them.
Lee County Manatee Park Manatees can crowd this Fort Myers discharge canal; they're al-
most close enough to touch.
Space Coast Manatees like the intercoastal waters of Canaveral National Seashore, Mos-
quito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon and others.
Blue Spring State Park This spring near Orlando can draw up to 200 manatees during cold
spells.